Kerala Flora and Fauna

I thought I'd end my posts on Kerala with a photo spread on the stunning flora and fauna from this garden-like state. Some of the flora you have already seen in my posts on the spice and tea gardens, so I won't post that again. We traveled from the sea to the highest mountain tops, so we found some interesting things to look at. With the large amount of tropical rainfall, the birds are abundant, as you will see. We hope you enjoy the photos...........

Magpie Robin

These are found throughout India

Domestic Goat

Cattle Egret

Hibiscus

House Crow

These pesky varmints are found throughout India. They get into everything, similar to Jays, Starlings, etc. This guy would come and sit on the fence by our back porch at Cherai Beach. Here, he has stolen something to eat from the outdoor restaurant.

Black Drongo

Snake Bird

Yellow Plumeria - I think

Steak! :o)

Asian/Indian Elephant

Golden Pheasant

This magnificent bird was in a large cage at our place in Munnar. He was something else to watch as he walked around his enclosure.

Beluga Whale

Purple Swamp Hens and Pond Heron

Hel Red Wagneriana

Tree Trunk

I'm still trying to sort out what kind of tree this is. The trunk and bark is exceptionally beautiful. I think it is an exotic tropical hardwood tree.

Not sure what this is called

White-breasted Waterhens

This group of birds came up the river so fast I barely had time to snap this photo. They were just beautiful to watch as they flew by just above the water.

This video was taken as the sun was rising at our Munnar resort. The sounds of birds singing was so loud at this time, it would wake me. The most bizarre thing is the sound of the Malabar Whistling Thrush. The first time I heard it, I was convinced there was someone just outside of our bungalow whistling at that ungodly hour. The bird is dark black with a blue shimmer to its feathers. I never did get a picture of it as it would only come out to whistle at sunrise and sunset.

Update: I found this photo of a Malabar Whistling Thrush on-line so you can see what kind of crazy bird can whistle like that.

Not sure what this is. It appears to be one of those insect eating (pitcher) flowers.

Garden Lizard

This guy was about 16 inches long

Arabian Sea Sand Crab

White-breasted Kingfisher

These are stunning to watch in the air. The iridescent blue is amazing.

Wide-Bellied Jenni Vulture stalking her prey :o)

Pond Heron in Flight

This is my favorite shot of all the birds. It was taken just as the sun was setting.

Toad

These would come out in the evening and hop around our bungalow at Cherai Beach (until I scared them away by either running after them to try and pick them up or with my camera flash).

If you ever get the chance to come to India, go to Kerala. It won't disappoint you.